Brad Lidge, a right-handed relief pitcher, became a familiar name in Major League Baseball during his career. Born on December 23, 1976, in Sacramento, California, Lidge attended the University of Notre Dame, where he honed his skills on the mound. His professional journey began when the Houston Astros selected him in the first round of the 1998 MLB Draft.
Lidge made his MLB debut with the Astros on April 26, 2002. Early in his career, he showcased a powerful fastball and a devastating slider, quickly establishing himself as a reliable option out of the bullpen. By 2004, Lidge had taken over as the Astros' closer, a role in which he excelled. That season, he recorded 29 saves and struck out 157 batters in just 94.2 innings, earning him an All-Star selection.
The 2005 season was particularly memorable for Lidge and the Astros. He played a crucial role in helping the team reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Despite a strong postseason performance, Lidge is often remembered for giving up a walk-off home run to Albert Pujols in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. However, the Astros still advanced to the World Series, where they were ultimately swept by the Chicago White Sox.
Lidge continued to serve as Houston's closer through the 2007 season, though he faced challenges with consistency and injuries. In November 2007, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, a move that revitalized his career. The 2008 season with the Phillies proved to be a career-defining year for Lidge. He converted all 41 of his save opportunities during the regular season, finishing with a perfect save record. His performance earned him his second All-Star selection and the National League Comeback Player of the Year award.
The pinnacle of Lidge's career came in the 2008 postseason. He was instrumental in the Phillies' run to the World Series, where they faced the Tampa Bay Rays. In Game 5 of the World Series, Lidge secured the final out, clinching the championship for Philadelphia. His perfect season and postseason performance cemented his reputation as one of the game's top closers.
Lidge remained with the Phillies through the 2011 season, though injuries began to take a toll on his performance. He signed with the Washington Nationals for the 2012 season, but his time with the team was short-lived due to ongoing health issues. Lidge announced his retirement from professional baseball on December 2, 2012.
Throughout his career, Lidge was known for his powerful pitching arsenal, particularly his slider, which was considered one of the best in the game.
⚾